“The government’s streamlining of gender equity reporting requirements will help ensure that the data collected is meaningful and useful, and that the process is not unduly onerous or costly for businesses,” BCA Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“The right data is a vital tool for BCA member companies in achieving our ambition to have women holding 50 per cent of senior executive positions within the next decade.

“The government and Workplace Gender Equality Agency have responded to what they have heard through detailed and widespread consultation with business and other stakeholders.

“The changes will enable reporting to be done more efficiently, which is particularly important for small and medium sized enterprises. They also provide further evidence of the government’s commitment to remove unnecessary regulatory costs and make regulation more 'fit for purpose’,” Ms Westacott said.